Job Description
International
ILO Labour
Organization
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Recruitment of a Consultant to Conduct a Diagnostic Study - Analysis of Leading Sectors and Characteristics of Northern Provincial Economic Growth in Sri Lanka
1. BACKGROUND
The Northern Province of Sri Lanka, comprising the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, and Vavuniya, has faced significant socio-economic challenges in the aftermath of the protracted civil conflict that ended in 2009. The region is characterized by its diverse demographic composition, historical significance, and potential for economic development. However, it continues to face issues such as inadequate infrastructure facilities, limited access to quality education and healthcare, unemployment, and socio-political instability.
In recent years, there have been significant efforts by the government, international organizations, and local stakeholders to rebuild the Northern Province. These efforts include infrastructure development, livelihood programs, and peacebuilding initiatives and many more interventions. Despite these efforts, there is a pressing need for comprehensive policies, strategies, administrative measures and social dialogue mechanisms in particular economic sectors or sectoral clusters that addresses the unique challenges of the region while leveraging its strengths and opportunities.
The development of such tools is essential to ensure sustainable development, improve the quality of life for residents, and align regional initiatives with national development goals. A diagnostic study is a crucial first step in this process, as it will provide an in-depth understanding and an overview of the current state of policy frameworks, regulatory proceedings of leading economic clusters/ sectors while also identifying key issues, and providing recommendations for strategic interventions.
To this extend the ILO Promoting Advancement of Vulnerable Persons and Enterprises (PAVE) project which has been designed to support inclusive growth and reconciliation in post conflict districts, is furthermore supporting policy and strategic interventions to enhance economic growth to address specific regional challenges and harness opportunities for sustainable development. Such interventions will guide future development initiatives while ensuring alignment with national strategies. To achieve this, we seek to recruit a consultant to conduct a diagnostic study and produce a detailed report that will form the basis for the sectoral policy and other interventions in the region.
2. OVERALL OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a thorough diagnostic study of the leading economic sectors in the Northern Province, Examine the characteristics and drivers of economic growth in these sectors, identify key challenges and opportunities, provide recommendations for policy and strategic interventions to enhance economic growth and employment creation. The consultant will produce a detailed report outlining findings, recommendations, and an implementation roadmap in close collaboration and consultation with relevant identified provincial/national level authorities and ILO office.
3. SPECIFIC TASKS AND SCOPE
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
- a Inception phase:
- Conduct an Inception meeting with relevant stakeholders to understand the scope and objectives.
- Conduct a preliminary desk research to review existing studies, reports, and data on the Northern Province's economy and Identify gaps in the current understanding of economic growth in the region.
- Prepare an Inception report outlining the methodology, work plan, and timelines.
- b. Diagnostic. Study
- Review existing literature, policies, and data related to identified leading economic sectors.
- Conduct field visits and stakeholder consultations In the Northern Province. Collect quantitative and qualitative data from primary and secondary sources and analyse data to identify leading sectors, growth patterns, and economic drivers.
- c
- Assess the impact of various policy interventions on economic outcomes. Prepare a comprehensive report detailing findings, analyses, and recommendations.
- Present the report to relevant stakeholders and incorporate feedback. Submit the final diagnostic study report.
Reporting
Prepare comprehensive diagnostic study report of identified/potential leading sectors in the Northern Province with recommendations on policy and strategic interventions including an implementation roadmap. Present findings and recommendations to key stakeholders at a validation workshop.
The following outputs will be produced:
- Inception report with methodology and work plan.
- Diagnostic study report with recommendations on policy and strategic interventions Including an Implementation roadmap.
- Conduct a validation workshop and presentation of findings and recommendations.
Duration
3 weeks
4. TIMELINE AND DELIVERABLES
The following are the suggested schedule:
Deliverables
Submit the inception report
8 weeks
Submit the draft diagnostic study report
4 weeks
Submit the final diagnostic study report
3 weeks
Presentation of findings and validation workshop
The overall assessment must be completed within 5 months.
5. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The profile of the consultant would be:
- An advanced degree in Advanced degree in public policy, economics, development studies, or a related field.
- Minimum 7 years of relevant work experience in policy analysis, economic research, and development or any other related field.
- Demonstrated ability and experience in conducting diagnostic studies, economic assessments and developing sectoral policies.
- Strong understanding of the socio-economic context of Sri Lanka, particularly the Northern Province.
- Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
- Ability to liaise and engage effectively with diverse range of stakeholders. Exposure to value and principles of the thematic issue areas of the ILO as well as sensitivity to gender, disadvantaged groups, and diversity is an asset.
6. ADMINISTRATION, REPORTING AND COORDINATION
The Consultant will be contracted through ILO Colombo Office. The Office space, equipment and other logistical arrangements will not be provided to the Consultant. The Consultant will report to the Chief Technical Advisor, Jobs for Peace and Resilience Programme, ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives the ILO Colombo office and work closely with the Project Team.
7. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION AND COORDINATION
Please submit a proposal, including detailed financial proposal with itemised budget for each deliverable and/or rate for working day, other connected costs, cover letter with
demonstrated alignment of experience and skills as outlined in 'Profile of Consultancy Service Provider', portfolio of any previous assignments, as well as a maximum of 2 pages (800 - 1000) words on proposed approach for the above said consultancy assignment in Sri Lanka on or before 05:00 PM 16th July 2024 (Colombo time).
The heading of the proposal submission should be "Consultant to Conduct a Diagnostic Study
PAVE".
Proposals to be emailed to [email protected]
For clarification, please email [email protected]
